Paraprofessional - Middle & High School (24.25 SY)

Company Description

Who we are: KIPP St. Louis is part of a national network of free, open-enrollment, public charter schools offering a choice to families and children in St. Louis City. As the largest charter school system in the city, we are driven and committed to our mission, vision, and equity statement.

Mission: Together with families and communities, we create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose-college, career, and beyond-so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world.

Vision: Every child grows up free to create the future they want for themselves and their communities.

Equity Statement: KIPP St. Louis is committed to becoming an anti-racist and anti-sexist organization by confronting inequities, barriers, and oppressive policies and systems.

KIPP St. Louis currently educates over 2,000 students and at full growth, we will educate nearly 3,600 students and hundreds of alumni. Today, our St. Louis network consists of two middle schools, three elementary schools, and a high school.

Job Description

KIPP St. Louis Paraprofessionals provide one-on-one instructional care to students with special needs. Paraprofessionals assist and support the teacher(s) in implementing an instructional and care program to promote the academic achievement and personal development of this and other special need students.

Position Type: 10-months, Non-Exempt, Full-Time

On the day-to-day basis, you can look forward to the following:

Instructional Delivery

• Assists in delivering quality instruction/lessons created by teachers through one on one or leading small group instruction

• Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with students and teachers based on trust and respect

• Provides instructional support within the special education and general education classroom as needed in order to meet students' needs

• Communicates high expectations for behavior by teaching, practicing and reinforcing rules and consequences

• Approaches practice with a sense of urgency, maximizing every minute

• Maintains accurate and up-to-date records

• Data Collection

• Assumes responsibility for students' achievement

• Continuous monitoring of progress on individualized goals

• Shares responsibility and provides feedback to teachers about students' progress and needs

Constant Learning

• Collaborates with content and grade-level teams to promote an environment of critical thinking and academic rigor

• Consistently reflects on instructional practices through formal and informal methods and works relentlessly to meet individual and professional development goals

• Meets professional obligations through efficient work habits such as meeting deadlines and honoring schedules

• Works to become knowledgeable about best practices in working with students with learning disabilities and challenging behavior

• Embraces feedback and constructive criticism in the spirit of constant improvement

Academic and Cultural Support

• Participates actively in developing and following through with individualized learning plans and behavior plans for students

• Assists in the daily functioning of the school as necessary

Other Essential Functions

• Escorts, assists, and/or supervises student(s) during play periods, movement throughout the building, to and from buses, toileting routines, lunch, snack, specialized and inclusive classes, community activities and other times as designated

• Guides independent study, enrichment work, and remedial work assigned by the teacher

• Performs health-related procedures such as: feeding, lifting, positioning, carrying, toileting, tube feeding, cleaning catheterization and suctioning equipment

• Performs other duties related to Special Education, as assigned by teacher or administrator

Physical Demands/Mental Demands/Environmental Factors

• Frequently positions self to interact with students

• Must be able to observe students inside the classroom and school building, as well as outside

• Daily operation of a computer and office equipment

• Occasional moderate lifting

• Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written)

• Frequent prolonged and irregular hours of duty

• Maintain emotional control under stress

• Interprets policy, procedures, and data

Qualifications

What you bring to the table:

• 60 college credit hours/Associate degree or higher (REQUIRED)

• Missouri Paraprofessional Certification or Missouri Substitute Certification (REQUIRED)

• If you do not have 60 college credits or more, complete Missouri's 20-hour online substitute training program to qualify. Learn more here.

• Experience working with special needs students

Additional Information

What we bring to the table:

We are a fast-paced, energetic team and family with passionate people who are leading a movement to cultivate their best working environment we provide the following:

• $0 deductible healthcare plan option, including medical, vision, and dental.

• Employer-Paid Short-Term Disability

• $50,000 life insurance policy at no cost to the employee

• Retirement plan through PSRSSL with a 13% match and an optional 403b as a supplement to our pension program

• Employee Recognition: When we succeed together, we celebrate together!

• Public Service student loan forgiveness program qualified employer

• Longevity Bonuses: 2, 5, and 10-year financial rewards

• Generous time off:

• Paid leave for illness, personal days, bereavement, jury duty, and military-related leave

• Paid parental leave for new families

• Granted holidays, as well as a one-week Thanksgiving break, a two-week winter break, and a week-long spring break

• On-going professional development opportunities:

• Weekly coaching sessions

• Weekly school-based professional development

• Five in-person PD days during the year for all KIPP St. Louis teachers